Micro-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (MUAV) Critical-Technologies-Communications Architecture

This proposal addresses the requirements for a Micro Aerial Vehicle (uAV) communications systems. The RF link between an airborne uAV and uAV Ground Control Station (MGCS) presents significant technical challenges. The central issue is the competing requirements of communications system complexity necessary to overcome the multiple communication link degradations versus the necessity for miniaturization to accomodate the size and weight constraints of the uAV platform. An approach is considered which would maximize the leverage possible from existing infrastructure and communications systems. The existing commercial cellular phone network is a possibility for the uAV/MGCS link. PCMCIA cards are considered simultaneously as part of the airframe and ground station and, as a "snap in and snap out" uAV communication system modules which are selected and installed in response to mission requirements. This proposal will result in a Preliminary Design for prototype uAV/MGCS communications system which will be developed and demonstrated in Phase II. The Preliminary Design will be sufficiently detailed to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed Phase II prototype.